USA for UNHCR Staff Reflect on War in Ukraine

One year since the war in Ukraine began, the fear, anxiety and uncertainty that many Ukrainians felt in the days and weeks following the invasion remain palpable. Millions of Ukrainian families have been displaced by war, with many forced to flee their homes within Ukraine or to neighboring countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria and other countries throughout Europe.

Throughout the past year, USA for UNHCR’s staff worked tirelessly to spread awareness of the Ukraine emergency and raise funding for displaced families—motivated by their passion for helping and dedication to protecting refugees and empowering them with hope. Hear from staff members on their reflections of the one-year observance of the war in Ukraine.

• “Every emergency response moment for me is a juxtaposition of emotions. There is something terrible happening in the world, but at the same time, we get to see the compassion and kindness of thousands of people doing what they can to help complete strangers. Both of these things kept me going through the busy days and sometimes late-night work—the sense that I can help those who are forced to flee, and I can help someone else feel a little less helpless in a terrible moment.” – Seiko Yoshitake, Director, Digital Marketing
• “Our community’s response to the escalation of conflict in Ukraine was like nothing I’ve ever seen. The indescribable outpouring of love and compassion for those forced to flee is a powerful testament to the dedication and generosity of USA for UNHCR’s supporters. So many caring Americans were introduced to our work through the tragic events, opening their eyes to the breadth of global displacement. It feels like an overwhelming challenge to overcome, but with donors like ours, I believe we will one day achieve our vision—a world without refugees.” – Alex Morales, Senior Associate, Donor Care